Florida Tech Soccer Defeats Saint Leo 2-0 in SSC Quarterfinal

Panthers advance to SSC semifinal

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — The last time the Panthers took the field in Saint Leo they had to go home with a 5-3 defeat. On Tuesday however, the Florida Tech Panthers made sure history did not repeat itself.

The Panthers avenged a loss to Saint Leo Tuesday with a 2-0 victory to advance to the SSC semifinals on Friday. (Florida Tech image)

The Panthers used two second half goals as they defeated Saint Leo 2-0 in a Sunshine State Conference quarterfinal match. “Defensively we did a very good job not conceding any goals to a team that had been very dominating all season,” said head coach Fidgi Haig.

“It is very hard to beat a team like this at home so hats off to the girls tonight.” Both teams had opportunities in the first half, but neither team could break through with a goal.

Fidgi Haig

“Defensively we did a very good job not conceding any goals to a team that had been very dominating all season,” said head coach Fidgi Haig.

The Panthers (11-5-1) had three shots on goal in the opening 45 minutes. The Lions (10-7) recorded one shot on goal in the first half with the save being made by the Panthers’ sophomore goalkeeper Julia Kantor.

“The plan for the first half was not to allow a silly goal,” Haig said. “We had a few chances to take the lead, but their keeper made some key saves.”

After having a few opportunities in the second half turned away, the Panthers broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. Kantor sent an outlet pass up to sophomore Aubri Williamson who beat the keeper and put the ball into the net.

PANTHERS ADVANCE TO SSC SEMIFINAL

It was the 13th goal of the season for Williamson and first assist for Kantor. Holding a 1-0 lead with less than 10 minutes to go, the Panthers added a second goal. Williamson scored her second goal of the match off a rebound in the box.

“At this point there are no more easy games. The good thing is we seem to be peaking right now at the end of the season and that is what you want.” — Fidgi Haig

The goal put the game away for the Panthers as they advanced to the SSC semifinals with the 2-0 victory. The Panthers took 16 shots in the match with 12 being on goal. The Lions also took 16 shots, but only three were on goal.

Along with her assist, Kantor picked up her eighth shutout of the season for the Panthers. With the victory, the Panthers advance to face Barry in an SSC semifinal match Friday in Miami Shores. The match will get underway at 7 p.m. ET.

“At this point there are no more easy games,” Haig said. “The good thing is we seem to be peaking right now at the end of the season and that is what you want.”